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RESIDENT LAUNCHES PETITION OPPOSING DEVONSHIRE SQUARE PUBLIC TOILETS CLOSURE
F
UMING Bexhill resident Andrew Crotty, with retired Solicitor, Steve Pariser, are collecting signatures for a petition opposing the closure of the public conveniences in Devonshire Square. The toilets have been closed as a temporary measure with no end date in sight but Mr Crotty said: “It is an absolute disgrace. “While I have been standing here outside the toilet block loads of people have stopped to sign the petition against the closure. They are as outraged as I am. “We have a lot of elderly people living in this town who rely on the toilets in Devonshire Square. Quite a few are disabled too, yet even the disabled toilet has been locked up. It is unbelievable.” Even though there are other public conveniences available in the town none are as close to the central shopping areas and Mr Crotty fears people will attempt to use facilities in local shops and pubs, with many already voicing opposition to that scenario. He added: “It is so short-sighted. We want to attract as many visitors as possible to our town yet the most central public toilets are locked up, even with Christmas just around the corner. It is a complete farce.” As of November 28, Mr Crotty had collected more than 1,800 signatures opposing the closure of the toilets in Devonshire Square. He then presented the petition to the Rother District Council headquarters in Bexhill and said: “As I have stated previously, I am acting as a resident of Bexhill rather than as an elected
Andrew Crotty and Steve Pariser
councillor because like many others I think it is an absolute disgrace. “Why should local businesses and venues such as the De La Warr and other venues have to make their facilities available to the general public when they need to go to the loo. It is just not on. “I, and many other residents want the Devonshire Square toilets opened again as soon as possible. Look at the number of people who have tried to use them recently yet cannot gain access. “On the one hand we want to attract visitors to our town yet on the other they cannot use the main toilet facilities in Bexhill town centre as Christmas approaches. What kind of message does that send out?”
NEWS 5
DECEMBER 2023
FINANCIAL BOOST FOR SWIMMING POOLS A GRANT worth £128,354 has been awarded to Rother District Council to support two pools in the district. Bexhill Leisure Pool and the swimming pool at Rye Sports Centre will each receive grants of more than £64,000 to help ensure the continued provision of opportunities for residents to swim and take part in water activities locally. The funding, which will contribute to the pools’ utility costs, has been awarded after the council successfully applied to phase one of the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, administered by Sport England. The fund was launched to support public leisure facilities with swimming pools which have been adversely affected by rising costs, leaving them vulnerable to closure or significant service reduction. Both swimming pools, which are run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the district council, are used by many residents to keep themselves fit and healthy, and by local schools for swimming and water skills lessons.
Councillor Hazel Timpe, Cabinet Member for sports and leisure at Rother District Council, said: “We are grateful to Sport England for this funding. “Swimming has proved to be beneficial for both physical and mental health, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, from young babies and toddlers to the elderly.”
MAN ARRESTED AFTER BEXHILL FLAT FIRE
A 26-YEAR-OLD man was arrested on suspicion of arson following a flat fire in St Mark’s Close, Bexhill. The Hastings man has been released on bail while investigations are ongoing. The fire happened on Monday, November 13, severely damaging the first floor and roof space of the maisonette. Emergency services were called at 9.15pm in a multi-agency response with Sussex Police and firefighters from Bexhill, Hastings and Eastbourne mobilised. A neighbour, a 99-year-old woman, was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation treatment and is recovering. A scene guard is in place while investigations continue. Anyone with information is asked to report it online or via 101, quoting 1457 of 13/11.
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